Fungal corneal ulcers of onion harvesters in southern Taiwan

Fungal corneal ulcers related to agriculture has been reported throughout t he world, especially in tropical areas. Most of them were sporadic and had histories of ocular trauma or use of topical corticosteroids and topical an tibiotics. Five onion harvesters had fungal corneal ulcers during the same harvest period in Southern Taiwan. The authors think that this is the first report of a group occurrence relating to agricultural workers. Although al l of the patients improved after medical and surgical management, their vis ion was greatly decreased. It is suggested that the tropical climate, the h arvest procedure, the characteristic monsoon, and lack of eye protection we re involved. Therefore, the importance of the eye prosection, hygiene educa tion, and improving medical care to reduce the occurrence off fungal cornea l ulcer in agriculture workers must be emphasised.